A Meezan Bank customer has issued a public warning after receiving a fraudulent call that appeared to originate from the bank’s official helpline. The incident has raised serious concerns about the increasing sophistication of banking scams in Pakistan.
According to the customer, the scammer sounded credible and already possessed detailed information about his bank account, creating the impression of a legitimate inquiry. The caller allegedly attempted to trick him into sharing his One-Time Password (OTP), which is commonly used for secure banking transactions.
Sensing something suspicious, the customer recorded the entire conversation and later posted the video online. The clip quickly went viral and sparked widespread discussion, with many people reporting similar experiences. Several victims came forward, claiming they had lost amounts ranging from Rs10,000 to over Rs1.6 million due to similar spoofed calls.
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Cybersecurity observers note that scammers are now using advanced caller ID spoofing technology, allowing them to display official bank numbers on recipients’ phones. This makes the fraud extremely convincing and increases the chances of victims falling prey.
The customer has urged the public to stay vigilant and follow essential safety guidelines:
- Never share OTPs, CNIC details, ATM PINs, or card information with anyone—banks never ask for this information over the phone.
- Verify calls by disconnecting and immediately calling the bank’s official helpline.
- Report suspicious activity to the bank and relevant cybercrime authorities.
Meezan Bank has also reminded customers that the bank does not request sensitive information over phone calls, SMS, or WhatsApp. Authorities continue to warn the public about the growing number of digital fraud attempts targeting unsuspecting users.
